New Canaan commission amends zoning to allow religious institutions as principal uses in residential zones
Summary
On Nov. 18 the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a text amendment allowing religious institutions to be treated as permitted principal uses in residential zones via special permit, aligning local code with federal RLUIPA requirements and preserving the commission’s ability to review safety and traffic impacts.
The New Canaan Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously on Nov. 18 to amend its zoning regulations to allow religious institutions as a principal use in residential zones when approved through the special‑permit process.
The change—an amendment to section 3.2.c.14 proposed by planning staff and vetted with the town attorney—responds to the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Town staff explained the amendment will prevent a situation in which a religious organization could open a principal use (for example, a house of worship that regularly draws large numbers of people) in a residential neighborhood without special-permit review that would allow the commission to evaluate traffic, parking and safety impacts.
Commissioners clarified the amendment applies to principal uses, not incidental worship or private religious meetings that reasonably fall within the normal residential use of a home. The commission also discussed examples — such as a religious organization operating regular public programs or a school attached to a house of worship — and agreed that special-permit review provides the appropriate venue to weigh public-safety and neighborhood impacts.
Motion and vote
Commissioner Christina Larson moved to approve the text amendment and Commissioner Bill Pratt seconded. The vote was recorded as unanimous among commissioners present (8 yes, 0 no). Chair Dan Radman and the commission directed staff to update the zoning code and notify relevant departments so the new language is in effect for future special‑permit applications.
Next steps
Planning staff will formalize the amendment in the published zoning regulations, file the updated language in town records and notify building/zoning counter staff of the change.
